“Road trip? Heck YEA. Though, I am not sure how I feel about car rides quite yet. I hear some dogs get motion sickness.”
Ooh, where we goin’?
Tips and tricks to having to most successful road trips
Introduce car rides slowly
Motion sickness applies to dogs, just as well as humans. Start out with a 15 minute car ride around the neighborhood, then gradually increase the time to 30 minutes, then an hour, and so forth. Soon, you’ll be going on long distance trips!
Monitor Feeding Times
First night with the dog car seat in the play pen
If possible, try to feed your pup at least an hour prior to going on a trip. This gives them some time to digest the food.
Bring distractions
Bring a plush toy, chew toy, or bully stick they love along for the ride. It will give them something to do, and may lower anxiety.
Associate car rides with fun things
Take them to the park, to see a friend, or for a hike! If you only bring your dog to the vet or around the block, chances are, they will associate it with something that they don’t like or enjoy very much.
Introduce car seats and gadgets slowly
Brioche loves all car rides now!
Whether you are using a car seat, crate in the trunk, or a seatbelt attachment, introduce them slowly! They might not love being restrained at first, but again, with treats and positive reinforcement, anything is possible! Our main mode of transportation is the KH Pet Car Seat - we introduced it at home prior to putting it in a car. Once he loved sleeping in the seat at home, we knew he would be ready for car rides.
Bring paper towels and doggy wipes
Always keep these in the car. It is handy for quite a few things, such as if/when they get sick, and also to clean them after play time in the park!
Provide medicine
If your dog still vomits after trying various methods, please speak to your vet about what medicine is available to prevent motion sickness!